FireSnake® Rail Heater

Low-Smoke Solution for Railroad Pull-Apart Repair

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FireSnake® provides railroad maintenance crews with a low-smoke rail heater for railroad pull-apart repair, rail thermite welding applications, frozen switches, and general railroad maintenance.

Reliable Heat for Demanding Rail Repairs

FireSnake® is engineered to deliver dependable rail heating in challenging weather and field conditions while providing a cleaner, more convenient alternative to diesel-soaked rope. Instead of handling ropes saturated in fuel, crews simply remove FireSnake® from the pail and position it along the rail where heat is needed. With consistent heat output, FireSnake® helps crews complete repairs more efficiently. 

FireSnake® rail heater was featured on Destination America’s Railroad Alaska, where railroad crews used it in frozen conditions to heat rail for pull-apart repair and welding operations. 

Why FireSnake® Rail Heater

Reliable Rail Heating 
Delivers consistent temperatures of 385 °F – 425 °F for railroad pull-apart repair and rail thermite welding operations. 

Cold-Weather Performance 
Effective in cold weather, frozen rail conditions, and other demanding environments. 

Clean-Burning Performance 
Produces minimal smoke and residue for a cleaner work environment. 

Improved Worker Safety 
Packaged for safe handling and transportation for railroad maintenance. 

Who It’s For

FireSnake® rail heater is built for railroad maintenance crews performing pull-apart repairs, welding operations, frozen switch maintenance, and general maintenance work. Use cases include:  

  • Heating rails for pull-apart repair 
  • Rail thermite welding preparation 
  • Frozen switches 
  • Rail maintenance 

How It Works in the Field 

Using FireSnake® rail heater is straightforward: position the product along the rail, ignite at multiple points, and allow it to generate the heat needed for repair operations. 

  • Place FireSnake® along the rail flange and secure with rail spikes if needed 
  • Ignite every 2–3 feet using a fuse or other approved lighting method 
  • Two pails will repair the normal “pull apart” (1” – 2” gap) 
  • Allow FireSnake® to burn completely and self-extinguish 

Product Details

  • Four 10-foot FireSnake® snakes per pail 
  • Modified alcohol-based fuel formulation 
  • Produces temperatures of 385 °F – 425 °F 
  • 14 – 23-minute burn time 
  • Non-hazardous and environmentally safe 

Ready for Your Next Rail Repair

From routine maintenance to railroad pull-apart repair, FireSnake® provides the consistent heat crews need in a cleaner, more convenient package than traditional diesel-soaked rope. 

Improve Your Rail Heating Process

FAQS

FireSnake® provides a cleaner, more convenient alternative to diesel-soaked rope. Instead of handling rope saturated in fuel, crews simply remove FireSnake® from the pail, position it along the rail, and ignite it. FireSnake® also delivers a longer-lasting burn with consistent heat output for repair and welding operations. 

The amount needed depends on weather conditions, rail temperature, and the size of the gap. As a general guideline, two pails of FireSnake® will repair a typical pull-apart with a 1–2 inch gap. 

Yes. FireSnake® is engineered for demanding field conditions, including rain, snow, frozen rail, and frozen switch applications. Its consistent heat output helps crews complete critical rail repair and welding operations when weather conditions make maintenance more challenging. 

FireSnake® is a non-hazardous rail heating solution that burns with minimal residue. Its packaged design helps reduce the potential for spills and ground contamination associated with handling diesel-soaked rope in the field.